Columbus OH
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Columbus OH
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Helping to Fight Hunger

Children’s Hunger Alliance (CHA)

Works with schools, community organizations, and child care providers throughout Ohio to increase participation in USDA child nutrition programs. They provide technical assistance to child care providers to help implement programs serving nutritious food. Contact their office for help finding childcare centers and meal programs; including after-school, weekend, and summer programs that offer free food for kids.
Columbus: 1105 Schrock Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229
Cincinnati: 3600 Park 42 Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45241
Cleveland: 2800 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115
Toledo: 1715 Indian Wood Circle, Maumee, Ohio 43537
(614) 341-7700
childrenshungeralliance.org

Clintonville-Beechwold Community Resources Center (CRC)

Social service agency in the Clintonville neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio. They offer community events and supportive services for Senior Citizens in addition to these programs:

  • CRC Family Services & Choice Food Pantry: Crisis resources for individuals and families include a food pantry, clothing, help accessing benefits and community resources, and individual supportive counseling. Produce is available for all zip codes in Franklin County, once-a-month pantry shop is available for zip codes 43235, 43085, 43229, 43224, 43214, 43220, 43221, 43202, 43211, 43201.
    14 West Lakeview Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43202
    (614) 268-8118
  • Kids Club: Afterschool and summer program held at various community locations for income-eligible youth Grades K-5 in Clintonville and Beechwold.
  • Kinship Care Program: Supports kinship caregivers who are unexpectedly raising a child whose parents are unable to care for them. Services include case management, materials assistance, educational resources, and referrals for other supportive services.

(614) 268-3539
clintonvillecrc.org

Community Development for All People (CD4AP)

This church provides important community programs in the Merion Village neighborhood of Columbus, along with worship services. Programs include daily Fresh Markets with free produce for income-eligible individuals, nutrition education, free health and wellness classes, community events, an after-school program at Lincoln Park Elementary, and more.
4allpeople.org

  • HEAL & Fresh Market:
    Healthy Eating and Living (HEAL) offers free nutrition education and health and wellness classes. The Fresh Market offers free, fresh food and produce to those who meet income guidelines. ID and proof of income is required. Walk-in and drive-thru pick-up is available during market hours.
    946 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
    (614) 445-7342
    Fresh Market: 4allpeople.org/freshmarket
    HEAL: heal4allpeople.org
  • Free Store:
    Accepts donations of gently used clothing and household items. No appointment is required to shop; walk-ins are accepted Tuesday-Saturday. Visit the website for hours.
    946 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, OH 43206
    (614) 443-1713
    4allpeople.org/free-store
  • Bikes for All People (B4AP): Provides affordable access to bicycles and cycling-related resources for those who rely on bikes as their sole means of transportation. They offer refurbished bikes for sale, bike parts and gear, and walk-in bike repair services, and community group rides. They accept donated bikes and volunteers. Repairs are walk-in and first-come, first-served. Most services and programs are offered on a sliding scale. Visit the website to contact the organization.
    934 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
    bikesforallpeople.org
  • ID 4 All People:
    Helps residents of Columbus attain their Ohio birth certificate and State ID card. They will help you through the application process and cover the costs. No appointment needed, walk-ins are accepted on Mondays. Visit the website for additional details.
    (614) 445-7342, ext. 101
    facebook.com/photo/?fbid=940948394735643&set=a.318522830311539
  • Thrive to 5:
    Supports pregnant parents and families with children under 5 years old through developmental screenings, parenting support, diapers, cribs, and more. Visit the website and complete the online form to get started.
    (614) 445-7342, ext. 115
    4allpeople.org/thrive-to-5

Family Adolescent & Child Community Engagement Service (FACCES)

Provides community programming for families on the South side of Columbus. Programs include a free fresh market, urban gardening, cooking classes, family fitness classes, access to healthcare through OSU Wexner Medical Center Community Care Coach and family gatherings. FACCES Life Ready Urban Gardening Class is a free, weekly program for youth to learn about how to grow their own food, careers in agriculture, and environmental stewardship. They offer additional Afterschool programs and an Afterschool Cafe with free meals for children ages 1-18. Call or go online to register your family for programs.
2515 Lockbourne Road, Columbus, OH  43207
(614) 319-6070
Current Program Bulletin Board: canva.com/design/DAGkniZxadA/r22QsVxObMOwz-v-Ys7L0Q/view
Website: thefacces.org

Highland Youth Garden

This teaching garden is located in the Hilltop neighborhood of Columbus. They offer garden tours, field trip experiences and donation-based produce bags for pick-up. Hilltop families can sign up for a garden bed kit with everything needed to grow an edible garden in their backyard, including access to a Garden Mentor to help get the most from their garden. They also offer Garden Club (a free weekly after-school program for Grades K-6), Green Teens (a paid summer work program for youth ages 14-19) and a low-cost Summer Camp for ages 6-13.
67 South Highland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 653-8263
Español: (614) 407-4540
highlandyouthgarden.org

Jordan’s Crossing Resource Center

Faith-based organization serving those struggling with homelessness and/or substance use on the west side of Columbus. Food services include daily lunches, a weekly community meal, and the Fresh Food Market. They also provide access to housing specialists, Narcan, sobriety mentoring, panhandling diversion, and treatment program referrals.
342 North Hague Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 564-9616
jordanscrossingcolumbus.org

LifeCare Alliance

Agency in Central Ohio with comprehensive health programs for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families. They operate in Franklin, Champaign, Logan, Marion, and Madison counties. Individuals can be referred by a professional or refer themselves by completing the online referral form. Programs in Franklin County include:

  • Health & Wellness Programs: Free head-to-toe cancer screenings & mammograms for anyone regardless of insurance or ability to pay; programs for kids and and adults with diabetes; travel vaccine clinic; low-cost blood pressure checks, foot care, nutrition education, and wellness classes at their community wellness centers; in-home care from visiting nurses.
    Cancer Services: (614) 263-5006
    (614) 278-3130
  • IMPACT Safety: Personal safety and violence reduction class, including emotional skills and physical self-defense. This program requires a fee, but need-based scholarships are available. Community programs are offered for free several times per year in Columbus, and they offer specialized options for kids, people with disabilities, women of color, and businesses.
    (614) 437-2884
  • Senior Nutrition Programs: Serves free hot meals every day at Carrie’s Cafe for seniors 60+ years old; hosts free meals for seniors at Senior Dining Center locations; home-delivered Meals-on-Wheels for seniors or medically-challenged individuals; Senior Farmers Markets for those 60+ years old and meet income guidelines.
    (614) 437-2987
  • Project Open Hand: Free nutrition program for children or adults living with HIV/AIDS. Provides access to hot meals at Carrie’s Cafe, one-on-one nutrition counseling, home-delivered meals, and emergency meal assistance.
    (614) 437-2854

Administrative Office, Travel Vaccines & Wellness Services: 1699 West Mound Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223
(614) 278-3130
Carrie’s Cafe & Senior Nutrition Programs: 670 Harmon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43223
(614) 437-2987
lifecarealliance.org/programs

Local Matters – Food Access & Nutrition Programs

Provides programs for food education, advocacy, and to improve food access for families in Columbus. They host free and low-cost community cooking classes for individuals and families to learn basic cooking skills, nutrition, and meal-planning while eating and enjoying demonstrations. They also offer classes at their learning gardens, youth summer programs, and in-school programs for pre-K through high school. Veggie Van Pop-Ups deliver affordable produce and meal kits at various locations in Columbus. The Veggie Van accepts SNAP/EBT, WIC, and participates in the SNAP/EBT Produce Perks program. Local Matters also runs Columbus Food Rescue, a program that accepts donations from individuals and small businesses to rescue food from landfills.
633 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
(614) 263-5662
local-matters.org

Lutheran Social Services (LSS) 211 Central Ohio

Faith-based organization providing a wide range of services across Ohio. Services include Faith Mission homeless shelter, food, health care, affordable senior living and domestic violence help. Visit the website for detailed program information and for programs in Fairfield County. The LSS 211 Information and Referral network can connect you to food pantries and other social services across Franklin County and Ohio.

  • LSS 211 Referral Line & Online Database
    Call 211 or (614) 221-2255
    lssnetworkofhope.org/211centralohio
  • Central Ohio Main Office
    1105 Schrock Rd, Columbus, OH 43229
    (614) 228-5200
    lssnetworkofhope.org
  • Champion Avenue Food Pantry
    1460 South Champion Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
    (877) 577-6325
    All Pantry & Produce Locations: lssnetworkofhope.org/foodpantries/locations
    Pantry Registration: lssfoodpantries.org
  • LSS Health Center
    Offers primary care, dental, vision, HIV/STD testing, pharmacy, behavioral healthcare, and substance use disorder (SUD/MAT) treatment.
    245 North Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
    (614) 224-0747
    lssnetworkofhope.org/lsshealthcenter
  • Faith Mission Franklin County Homeless Shelter
    Must call Homeless Hotline in advance to be assigned a bed: (614) 274-7000
    217 North Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
    Men’s Shelter: 599 East Eighth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
    lssnetworkofhope.org/faithmission
  • Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
    Offers emergency shelter beds for veterans and help with housing stability for veteran families.
    (614) 224-6617
  • CHOICES Domestic Violence Services
    Offers temporary housing, counseling, legal services, and peer support for survivors of domestic violence.
    24-hour Domestic Violence Crisis Line: (614) 224-4663
    General: (614) 224-7200
    lssnetworkofhope.org/choices/services

Mid-Ohio Food Collective

Delivers food to more than 500 food banks/pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and after school programs in central and eastern Ohio. Their website has information for individuals and families on finding food assistance in central Ohio. Their team also provides help signing up for benefits, accessing healthcare, and connecting to community resources. Learn more about their programs below.
3960 Brookham Drive, Grove City, Ohio 43123
(614) 274-3663
mofc.org

  • Farms & Community Gardens: In addition to growing produce for their other programs, farms and gardens serve as outdoor classrooms. They offer gardening lessons, youth programs, mentorship for future farmers, and more.
  • Kitchen at Reeb Center: Enjoy fresh, house-made meals Monday-Friday 11am-2pm. The meals are free and no appointment is needed, just stop by and enjoy the cafe.
    2867 East Livingston Ave. Columbus, Ohio 43209
    (614) 230-2708
  • Farmacy: Partners with local healthcare providers to provide fresh food to patients once a week in Franklin, Knox, Licking, Ross, and Pickaway counties. If your doctor is a healthcare partner, ask them for a Farmacy card to get started.
  • Commodity Supplemental Food Program: Works with community partners to provide monthly food boxes with shelf-stable items for seniors ages 60+ who meet income guidelines.
  • Mid-Ohio Markets: Offers food pantries with a dignified, free grocery store experience. Market locations are listed below.
    • Bishop Griffin: 2867 East Livingstone Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43209
      (614) 338-8220
    • Center of Hope: 25821 New Guilford Road, Bladensburg, Ohio 43005
      (740) 200-0689
    • Columbus State: 400 Grove Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
      (614) 782-5514
    • Gantz Road: 4041 Gantz Road, Grove City, Ohio 43123
      (614) 317-9487
    • HEART: 6475 East Main Street, Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068
      (614) 604-8878
    • Norton Road: 620 Norton Road, Columbus, Ohio 43228
      (614) 782-5514
    • MY Project USA: 3275Sullivant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
      (614) 905-0977
    • St. Stephens: 1500 East Seventeenth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43219
      (614) 338-8220

Neighborhood Services (NSI)

Food pantry serving zip codes 43201, 43202, 43210, 43211, 43212, 43219, 43220, 43221, 43224 and 43229. They offer a choice food pantry by appointment. Individuals in their service zip codes may visit twoce per month, and all other Franklin County zip codes may visit once per year. Proof of address and photo ID is required. They also offer case management and resource navigation appointments. Additional programs include holiday meals, free tax preparation with American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), back to school backpacks, Christmas toys, and community events.
1950 North Fourth Street, Columbus, Ohio 43201
(614) 297-0592
neighborhoodservicesinc.org

Ohio Department of Education & Workforce (ODEW) Food & Nutrition

This website offers important information for families and professionals about state food and nutrition programs. Find guidelines and applications details for child and adult day care food programs, the national school lunch program, and summer food programs.
(877) 644-6338
education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Food-and-Nutrition

South Side Thrive

A network of partners in the South Side of Columbus working to holistically improve quality of life for residents. Their website has resources for finding healthcare, healthy eating, resilience, mental and physical wellness, and managing chronic conditions. Use their Resource Map to locate food assistance, childcare, healthcare, legal help, and more in the South Side. They also host community conversations and helpful trainings for professionals. Go online to contact the organization.
southsidethrive.org

Stowe Mission of Central Ohio

A faith-based organization providing a food pantry (appointment required), free hot lunches, dental clinic, and vision clinic. Their after school program includes academic, spiritual, and emotional support for K-6 students. Transportation is provided from five local schools, but kids from any school district are welcome. They also offer scholarships for graduating seniors at South High School to pursue college or vocational training. The Stowe Pregnancy Resource Center offers free ultrasounds, pregnancy tests, and consultation.
888 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
(614) 445-8400
stowemission.org

Summer EBT / SUN Bucks (Ohio Summer Food Program)

SUN Bucks and SUN Meals are USDA programs to help families access food during the summer months. Families can participate in both programs. Participation in these programs does not affect families’ immigration status. Families can find additional information from the USDA, or in Ohio, through Children’s Hunger Alliance.

  • SUN Bucks/Summer EBT provides cash benefits for income-eligible families with school-aged children to access groceries when school is closed for summer. Families receive a one-time $120 benefit for each eligible child, which is uploaded to the household’s existing Ohio Direction Card, or on a new benefit card mailed to the family. The money can be used for meals at grocery stores, farmers markets or other authorized retailers. Families who already participate in SNAP, Ohio Works First, other Medicaid benefits, or receive free/reduced meal benefits at school are automatically enrolled. New families can use the website to apply and track their application status.
    General Questions (ODJFS Hotline): (866) 244-0071
    Summer EBT Card Questions: (866) 386-3071
    Video: How to Use Produce Perks
    Ohio SUN Bucks/EBT Website: ohiosummerebt.org
    Application Website: ebt.ohio.gov
  • SUN Meals offers free meals and snacks to all kids ages 18 and under at schools, parks, and other eligible community organizations. No application is needed, but families should register with a local summer meal provider. To find meal sites in your community, visit CAP4Kids School & Summer Lunches, use the USDA National Meal Site Finder, or use the USDA Hunger Hotline.USDA Hunger Hotline: (866) 348-6479
    USDA Summer Nutrition Programs Website: fns.usda.gov/summer
    Click Here for 2025 Summer Food Resources for Children Flyer
    Additional Resources from Children’s Hunger Alliance: childrenshungeralliance.org/summer

USDA National Summer Meal Finder

Find free, nutritious breakfasts and lunches for kids during the summer months in your community. Meals are served to kids up to age 18 beginning in May of each year. Families can use the Meal Finder tool to find directions to nearby meal sites, as well as their hours of operation and contact information.
National Hunger Hotline: (866) 348-6479
Español: (877) 842-6273
fns.usda.gov/meals4kids

Westerville Area Resource Ministry (WARM)

Faith-based charity providing food to income-eligible residents of the Westerville City School district. Registered families can shop the choice market online or by phone for curbside pickup. Families may shop once every two weeks. They also provide free summer lunch for children ages 1-18 and Share Bac a Pac for children at risk of hunger on weekends and school breaks. Additional programs include free employment support, financial education, and one-on-one supportive coaching for Seniors, people with disabilities, and others facing financial life challenges. Find full program and eligibility details online.
150 Heatherdown Drive, Westerville, Ohio 43081
Administration: (614) 889-0196
Help Center/Food Assistance Scheduling: (614) 568-8700
warmwesterville.org

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